The Era of Choice: The Ability to Choose and Its Transformation of Contemporary Life

Where, I have often wondered, is the man for all seasons? In Edward Rosenthal, we appear to have found one of the last of this endangered species, an intellectual globe-trotter who shares his delightful insights on one of the biggest meta-themes of the new century: choice and its profound impact on our lives. You might expect that a topic that sounds as dull and dry as "choice" would fail to engage all but the most philosophically minded. I was surprised to find that the book is fun and very readable. Rosenthal uses his engaging style, a wealth of examples, and his wide-ranging knowledge of physics, philosophy, and history to keep us interested. Rosenthal points out some things about Choice that you know, others that are under your nose but that you do not notice, and yet others that you almost certainly do not know about. Among the most fascinating connections are those in physics, linguistics, and philosophy. Even if your interest is mild, you are drawn in by the fascinating nexus, by the realization that many of the most profound and mundane aspects and actions of our modern life are connected by this duality - of choosing and choice. If you liked Malcolm Gladwell's "Blink", Douglas Hofstadter's "Godel,Escher, Bach", or Stephen Pinker's "The language Instinct", you will enjoy this book. If you fit the profile, I suggest that you spend a languorous weekend sampling from this smorgasbord of very accessible intellectual delicacies. Of course, if you don't want to, its entirely your.....